So I have a 03 Honda Pilot and its transmission looks like its going to be crapping out on me. It has 155k miles(original owner) on it and has never given me problems up until now..the car jolts/jumps at variable speeds, like somebody is jamming on the brake. I replaced the 3rd gear pressure switch a while back due to a blinking "D" light, but it appears that it's the tranny that's going out, and not a faulty pressure switch.

Anybody know any reputable places that do good work on transmissions, perhaps specifically Honda transmissions, in the bay area?

Thanks in advance!

 

Where in the bay area are you? Theres actually an amazing transmission shop right next to Kartoyz down the street from my work.

 

When is the last time you checked the fluid?

 

along the peninsula, san mateo, burlingame, millbrae, san bruno, etc


I should check that first lol, maybe then I could try a transmission fluid drain and refill. However, I don't think that's the problem since both check engine light and blinking D light(indicating something is wrong with the transmission) are on. Last time I changed the fluid was about I think 30k miles or so ago..

 

The cel and blinking "d" light could be unrelated. Checking the fluid is free and changing it is cheap. I am no auto mechanic however.

 

My mom's 03 accord tranny went out too T_T pretty common problem on the V6 models in those years. I'll look for the receipt of where we got it done, it's somewhere in San Jose

 

Yeah, you're def. not in my area. Hopefully one of the SF guys can help you out.

 

My family had several transmissions replaced by All transmissions in SSF.

All Transmissions of South San Francisco - South San Francisco, CA

 

Ya transmissions going out are common in the pilots and Mdx. I don't know if Kevin is still around at Ahq, I haven't been there in a while but he fixed my preludes transmission a while ago

 

Honda transmissions go out a lot after 100k. A lot of them seem to get worse after replacing the transmission fluid. Its due to the additives breaking down the gunk in the tranny and then it gets clogged in the filter and valvebody. Atleast thats what I think happens. Seen it entirely too many times. Customer brings in a slipping tranny and wants to do a fluid change and afterward the car doesnt move at all.

I cant recommend a specific transmission shop but if/when you do get your transmission fixed, Id recommend doing a tranny fluid change every 30k instead of the Honda recommended 100k.